Content warning: This story contains disturbing details involving the death of a child, including references to violence, recorded audio of a victim’s final moments, and descriptions that some readers may find graphic or emotionally difficult. Reader discretion is advised.
Jurors in a Tarrant County courtroom heard a graphic audio recording of 7-year-old Athena Strand’s final moments inside Tanner Horner’s FedEx truck on Thursday as the capital murder sentencing trial entered its second week.
The roughly one-hour recording, captured on an interior camera system on Nov. 30, 2022, played for the jury during the punishment phase. Prosecutors say it documents Horner kidnapping the girl while delivering a package to her home in Wise County’s Paradise community, placing her in the back of the truck, and later strangling her.
The audio captured her cries, questions and expressions of pain before Horner began driving again and made several stops. A medical examiner determined Athena died from blunt-force trauma and strangulation. Her body was later found in a river near Boyd after a three-day search that included an Amber Alert.
Tarrant County District Judge Ruben Gonzalez ordered courtroom cameras removed before the recording played due to its graphic nature, though reporters remained inside. Family members left the courtroom. Prosecutors rested their case immediately afterward. The defense is scheduled to begin presenting evidence Friday.
Horner, a former FedEx driver, pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping on April 7, just before jury selection. The jury must now decide whether he receives the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
The case has drawn intense attention across North Texas, where Athena’s family and community continue to grieve the loss of the vibrant second-grader.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
The roughly one-hour recording, captured on an interior camera system on Nov. 30, 2022, played for the jury during the punishment phase.
The roughly one-hour recording, captured on an interior camera system on Nov. 30, 2022, played for the jury during the punishment phase.
